By Hannah Dadzie
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has called on UN Member States to strive for peace and resolve conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
Speaking at the flag-raising ceremony to mark the 78th UN Day in Accra, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey said the ongoing global crises call for increased cooperation and collaboration to confront the challenges.
She said stringent measures must be put in place to ensure that actions yield the desired outcomes for a future marked by harmonious co-existence and the preservation of the planet for generations.
“As a member of the United Nations Security Council and also a new member of the UN Human Rights Council, we will continue to expouse the ideals of law and order and stand by those affected by conflict and natural disasters. The need for each one take play their part cannot be overemphasized. This can be done by ensuring that we work for peace and prosperity while making use of technological innovation for progress and sustainability,” Madam Ayorkor Botchwey said.
The day was marked with a short ceremony with the hoisting of the UN and Ghana flags, affirming the country’s continuous support for the global organization. There was a photo exhibition of the works of the United Nations spanning a period of 78 years. UN Member States were reminded of their commitment to the importance of multilateralism to tackle global challenges as well as unite and hope for a brighter future. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said it is the responsibility of all to help build a world of peace for sustainable development.
“The global theme, Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all.” The theme encapsulates the essential ideals of “peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability,” which are sine-qua-non for our very survival and can be realised largely through solidarity in an atmosphere of trust. The Foreign Affairs Minister said
The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, said as Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the UN will continue to support its electoral process to promote inclusive, transparent, and credible elections that reflect the will of the people and contribute to peace and stability in Ghana.
“Firstly, in the midst of regional challenges to democracy, we must focus our attention to the moment when Ghanaians will once again go to the polls. Elections represent citizens’ power to reflect, choose, and act for their country and the future. This can only be possible when there is peace and stability, freedom, tolerance, and respect for one another, essential prerequisites for holding free and fair elections and upholding Ghana’s reputation as a leader for democracy in the region,” Mr Abani noted
He said they have already started with the “I Pledge for Peace” campaign, launched recently in collaboration with the National Peace Council, to promote peace and hold key stakeholders accountable to pledge for peace before, during, and after the presidential and parliamentary elections in the country.
“We call on all partners to join the campaign as we prepare to roll out activities to amplify messages of peace, tolerance, and respect during the period of election,” he urged.
Mr Abani commended Ghana on her achievements and contributions to peace, progress, and sustainability, even in the face of many global challenges.
“On this United Nations Day, let us commit with hope and determination to build a better world for our aspirations. Let us commit to a future that lives up to the name of our indispensable organization. We are a divided world. We can and must be united nations. We commit to walking with Ghana, supporting Ghana, and making Ghana work for the people of Ghana.” The UN Resident Coordinator said
A Representative from the Ghana United Nations Students And Youth Association, GUNSA, said world leaders must ensure that the youth are included in decision-making to effect positive change.
“As we celebrate this 78th anniversary, we must commit ourselves to provide the youth with the tools and opportunities to make their voices heard. We must support their education, encourage their entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure their voices are integral in the decision making processes. Let us pledge to work with them to build a world that harness their ideals. In doing so, we will ensure that the United Nation continues Let their ideals a beacon of hope for generations,” the GUNSA Rep indicated.
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, Heads of security services, students, Heads of UN agencies, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and relevant stakeholders. The ceremony was on the theme “Ghana’s Contribution Towards Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals, Towards Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and Sustainability”.
